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Northwest Federal adds two new Florida Community Partners
Credit union welcomes Autism Society of Greater Orlando and Florida Literacy Coalition
HERNDON, VA (June 22, 2015) — Northwest Federal Credit Union added two new organizations to its growing list of Community Partners, a program supporting local groups that share its commitment to strengthening and enriching the communities it serves. As the Credit Union expands lending services in Florida, partnering with the Autism Society of Greater Orlando and Florida Literacy Coalition fulfills a promise to give back to local communities.
Chris McDonald, President/CEO of Northwest Federal says these two organizations exemplify credit unions’ people helping people philosophy. “A person’s future is closely tied to the opportunities presented, and quality community organizations play a crucial role in helping individuals find the path to success,” he said. “Promoting literacy and advocating for individuals on the autism spectrum are two ways that clearly help build stronger communities.”
Established in 1985, the Florida Literacy Coalition (FLC) focuses on assisting community-based literacy organizations throughout the state, supporting more than 300 literacy and education programs for adults and families. The latest National Assessment of Adult Literacy reports that adults with poor reading skills average less than half the average weekly income of those who are proficient readers. Also, they are far more likely to be unemployed.
“We are excited to be partnering with Northwest Federal and truly appreciate its commitment to supporting literacy,” said Gregory Smith, FLC’s Executive Director. “The Credit Union is well-known for their community and philanthropic efforts in Virginia and we look forward to working with them as they expand services into the Sunshine State.”
The Autism Society of Greater Orlando (ASGO) was founded in 1996 to provide assistance to families of children and adults with autism in the Central Florida area. The organization provides family support, education, and advocacy, while seeking to increase public awareness the issue.
On May 30, Northwest Federal sponsored a 5K Walk and Family Fun Day, which raised $100,000 to support ASGO. The funds raised will stay in the community to help families in need.
“We are honored and excited about ASGO’s partnership with Northwest Federal,” said Angelica Taylor, Treasurer. “This partnership can grow into amazing things in the coming years and we can make a huge difference in the autism community.”
As a Community Partner, an organization may apply for grants to support programs that benefit the community, and its employees and members become eligible for membership in the Credit Union.
Northwest Federal has branches throughout Northern Virginia, but also serves a strong base of members in Florida via its free and easy online, mobile, and telephone banking services. Learn more at www.nwfcu.org.
About Northwest Federal Credit Union
Northwest Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution ranking among the largest credit unions in Virginia and in the top 50 credit unions in the nation. Established in 1947 and headquartered in Herndon, Va., Northwest Federal is dedicated to providing financial services and education to its members and the community. The Credit Union currently serves more than 165,000 members and has assets in excess of $2.6 billion. For more information, visit www.nwfcu.org.